6 Exciting Takeaways for Red Sox Fans After Spring Training Opener

The Boston Red Sox had their first Spring Training game and there were plenty of positives to take away ahead of the new season.
Mar 27, 2022; Fort Myers, Florida, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Garrett Whitlock (72)
Mar 27, 2022; Fort Myers, Florida, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Garrett Whitlock (72) / Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
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5. Mark Contreras Making a Case for Himself Again

Outfielder Mark Contreras went yard for the second time in as many days on Saturday, making his presence known with little guaranteed for him as a non-roster invitee. After hitting a three-run shot in an exhibition contest against Northeastern University on Friday, the left-handed hitter took Jonathan Heasley deep to right field at the top of the third inning.

The 29-year-old Contreras has 58 major league at-bats under his belt and hit .121 with only seven hits while adding three home runs and six RBI.

A ninth-round pick of the Minnesota Twins in 2017, Contreras spent six seasons in the Twins organization. The California native played his college ball at UC Riverside, earning All-Big West Conference honors in his last two collegiate seasons. In 90 games at Triple-A St. Paul in 2023, Contreras hit .274 with 10 home runs, and 54 RBI, and also showcased some speed on the basepaths with 23 stolen bases.

Contreras is a long shot to make the major league roster, but spring training is also the perfect time of year to celebrate these underdog type of players.